Four young Sitka black-tailed bucks fell upon good luck Sunday as they were pulled from the icy waters of Stephens Passage, Alaska by a group of locals on a 62-foot charter vessel. Four juvenile Sitka black-tailed deer swam directly toward the boat...

Once the deer reached the boat, the four began to circle the boat, looking directly at the humans on board. Clearly, the bucks were distressed. With help, the typically skittish and absolutely wild animals came willingly onto the boat. Once on board, they collapsed with exhaustion, shivering.

Here the rescued bucks rest on the back of the boat, the Alaska Quest. All four deer were transported to Taku Harbor. Once the group reached the dock, the first buck that had been pulled from the water hopped onto the dock, looked back, then leaped into the harbor, swam to shore, and disappeared into the forest. After a bit of prodding and assistance from the locals on board, two more followed suit, but one deer needed more help.

They did not know how long the deer had been in the icy waters or if there had been others who did not survive. The good Samaritans describe their experience as "one of those defining moments in life." and I am sure it was for the deer, as well.